tobacco talk :)
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53 members have voted
December 28th, 2013 at 4:57:50 PM
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This is a thread for my dumbass questions about smoking.
First, a few facts about smoking in the USA:
Reportedly, about 25% of adults are smokers (including any combination of cigarettes, cigars and pipes).
Male smokers outnumber females by a few percentage points. (Worldwide, men are overwhelmingly more likely to smoke.)
Educational attainment is very strongly predictive. Smoking rates approach 50% among the least educated, diminishing to near 5% for Americans with postgrad degrees.
Income is strongly predictive, with smoking rates of about 35% for poverty-level Americans, diminishing to about 10% for high-income earners.
Ethnically in the USA, Asians and Hispanics are underachievers, with smoking rates of only about 15% or less.
Old people are much less likely to smoke.
I'll follow up in a moment with my first question.
First, a few facts about smoking in the USA:
Reportedly, about 25% of adults are smokers (including any combination of cigarettes, cigars and pipes).
Male smokers outnumber females by a few percentage points. (Worldwide, men are overwhelmingly more likely to smoke.)
Educational attainment is very strongly predictive. Smoking rates approach 50% among the least educated, diminishing to near 5% for Americans with postgrad degrees.
Income is strongly predictive, with smoking rates of about 35% for poverty-level Americans, diminishing to about 10% for high-income earners.
Ethnically in the USA, Asians and Hispanics are underachievers, with smoking rates of only about 15% or less.
Old people are much less likely to smoke.
I'll follow up in a moment with my first question.
"Scientists tell us that the fastest animal on earth, with a top speed of 120 feet per second, is a cow that has been dropped out of a helicopter."
December 28th, 2013 at 4:58:58 PM
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Question: Is tobacco the "best" drug?
It's the most popular, but we don't exactly have a free market. Let's be clear, I'm certainly not suggesting that adults should be allowed to make their own decisions. But hypothetically, if all drugs were available and permissible, would Americans continue fixating on their cigarettes, or would they migrate to something else that would better meet their drug objectives?
It's the most popular, but we don't exactly have a free market. Let's be clear, I'm certainly not suggesting that adults should be allowed to make their own decisions. But hypothetically, if all drugs were available and permissible, would Americans continue fixating on their cigarettes, or would they migrate to something else that would better meet their drug objectives?
"Scientists tell us that the fastest animal on earth, with a top speed of 120 feet per second, is a cow that has been dropped out of a helicopter."
December 28th, 2013 at 5:48:59 PM
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I wonder what percentage of casino gamblers smoke?
The mountain is tall but grass grows on top of the mountain.
December 28th, 2013 at 6:15:22 PM
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Quote: gpac1377Question: Is tobacco the "best" drug?
It's the most popular, but we don't exactly have a free market. Let's be clear, I'm certainly not suggesting that adults should be allowed to make their own decisions. But hypothetically, if all drugs were available and permissible, would Americans continue fixating on their cigarettes, or would they migrate to something else that would better meet their drug objectives?
"best" may be interpreted differently, but I would believe it will be the most popular even if ALL drugs were available and permissible. Nicotine is addictive, but smoking is far deeper then just getting a dose of nicotine. There is a psychological addiction as well for smoking. Which may be why the e-cig market is growing at a rapid pace. They want something to hold, something to inhale and exhale, the way the smoke looks, etc.
I don't think there will be a sudden spike in hard drugs like heroin and cocaine. Probably a noticeable increase on marijuana, maybe x and ketamine. along with prescription drugs. But, I still think tobacco will be a "universal" use. Meaning, someone who does hard drugs will smoke tobacco along with someone who does marijuana or nothing at all.
December 28th, 2013 at 6:30:04 PM
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Quote: HunterhillI wonder what percentage of casino gamblers smoke?
I didn't find much research when I looked. Here's a report from some time after 2006:
http://www.no-smoke.org/pdf/nevadaeconstudy.pdf
They actually walked around casinos and counted the people who were smoking. They found about 7%, and their rule of thumb was to multiply by 3 to account for smokers taking a break between cigarettes or whatever. So they estimated about 21% as the rate of smokers in casinos, which matches the general population.
But I've tried it myself, and my survey results are never as low as 7%. I believe casino gamblers are probably twice as likely to be smokers, compared against the general public.
Definition of terms is not always clear. Frequently I hear a figure of about 20% for the general population, but that's cigarettes only. When you factor in cigars and pipes, 25% is probably more accurate, and 50% would be my guess for patrons in Nevada casinos.
"Scientists tell us that the fastest animal on earth, with a top speed of 120 feet per second, is a cow that has been dropped out of a helicopter."
December 28th, 2013 at 6:30:30 PM
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Quote: gpac1377. But hypothetically, if all drugs were available and permissible, would Americans continue fixating on their cigarettes, or would they migrate to something else that would better meet their drug objectives?
Opium?
Or chewing coca leaves.
There are mild versions of some drugs that people might prefer to cigarettes. Actually, I'm just kidding about opium. I don't think that's a good choice for casual use, based on what little I know about it.
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
December 28th, 2013 at 6:43:49 PM
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Quote: rxwineActually, I'm just kidding about opium. .
Ever smoke opium? That stuff is amazing. You
feel like everything right is with the world, a
totally different experience from smoking weed.
I can see why it would be so addictive and
why Mao closed all the opium dens in China
when he took over. Nobody would ever get
anything done.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 28th, 2013 at 6:50:10 PM
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I would have guessed 40% or more.Quote: gpac1377I didn't find much research when I looked. Here's a report from some time after 2006:
http://www.no-smoke.org/pdf/nevadaeconstudy.pdf
They actually walked around casinos and counted the people who were smoking. They found about 7%, and their rule of thumb was to multiply by 3 to account for smokers taking a break between cigarettes or whatever. So they estimated about 21% as the rate of smokers in casinos, which matches.
the general population. In my experience I would have guessed 40% or more.
But I've tried it myself, and my survey results are never as low as 7%. I believe casino gamblers are probably twice as likely to be smokers, compared against the general public.
Definition of terms is not always clear. Frequently I hear a figure of about 20% for the general population, but that's cigarettes only. When you factor in cigars and pipes, 25% is probably more accurate, and 50% would be my guess for patrons in Nevada casinos.
The mountain is tall but grass grows on top of the mountain.
December 28th, 2013 at 6:55:07 PM
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I only smoked opium once, sprinkled on (inside) a joint, about 35 years ago. Never allowed myself to have it again. That there is goooooood crackers.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
December 28th, 2013 at 7:35:39 PM
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25% seems high, I have heard 18-20% as more reliable.
A few things I notice:
Casinos will give a distorted view of smokers as some people who are very rare smokers will light up there.
Since the prices of smokes have pushed upwards and smoking banned in more and more places starting in the late 1980s to early 1990s I do not notice more people quitting but you do not see so many "2 pack a day" smokers as back in the 1970s.
The number of brands has crashed, but the brand extensions have exploded. There seem to be now just a few brands whereas back when I stocked and ordered smokes for my store there were dozens and brand loyalty was fierce not just to the brand but to the sub-brands. Winston smokers would not buy the hard-pack unless that was all we had on a Sunday. They claimed you got 1-2 less drags.
I know at least one smoker almost burned down their house because of it.
90% of the people under age 60 who smoke and I ask why anybody would start such a habit the story always starts, "well, at first I only smoked when I drank and.........." so the efforts to stop smoking in bars might show results.
Had my first e-smoker at my table last weekend. Better than blowing smoke in my face but she still had the smokers voice.
It killed at least one of my relatives, but I still recognize to ban it is impossible and some efforts, like bans in people's own homes, are going to far.
A few things I notice:
Casinos will give a distorted view of smokers as some people who are very rare smokers will light up there.
Since the prices of smokes have pushed upwards and smoking banned in more and more places starting in the late 1980s to early 1990s I do not notice more people quitting but you do not see so many "2 pack a day" smokers as back in the 1970s.
The number of brands has crashed, but the brand extensions have exploded. There seem to be now just a few brands whereas back when I stocked and ordered smokes for my store there were dozens and brand loyalty was fierce not just to the brand but to the sub-brands. Winston smokers would not buy the hard-pack unless that was all we had on a Sunday. They claimed you got 1-2 less drags.
I know at least one smoker almost burned down their house because of it.
90% of the people under age 60 who smoke and I ask why anybody would start such a habit the story always starts, "well, at first I only smoked when I drank and.........." so the efforts to stop smoking in bars might show results.
Had my first e-smoker at my table last weekend. Better than blowing smoke in my face but she still had the smokers voice.
It killed at least one of my relatives, but I still recognize to ban it is impossible and some efforts, like bans in people's own homes, are going to far.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
December 28th, 2013 at 7:47:06 PM
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Quote: EvenBobEver smoke opium? That stuff is amazing. You
feel like everything right is with the world
If I smoked opium, would Obama still be President?
If the answer is NO, where do I score some opium?
Talent hits a target no one else can hit; genius hits a target no one else can see.
December 28th, 2013 at 8:00:29 PM
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Quote: AZDuffmanSince the prices of smokes have pushed upwards and smoking banned in more and more places starting in the late 1980s to early 1990s I do not notice more people quitting but you do not see so many "2 pack a day" smokers as back in the 1970s.
Good point. Gallup has some data on that. In 1978, two-thirds of smokers consumed at least a pack per day. Now it's less than one-third of smokers.
Link: http://www.gallup.com/poll/1717/tobacco-smoking.aspx (scroll down a little)
"Scientists tell us that the fastest animal on earth, with a top speed of 120 feet per second, is a cow that has been dropped out of a helicopter."
December 28th, 2013 at 8:35:00 PM
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I wonder if the people who checked "I'm a bigamist" smoke enough to annoy two wives?
>Reportedly, about 25% of adults are smokers (including any combination of cigarettes, cigars and pipes).
Pretty much in line with Reward Deficiency Syndrome genetic distribution.
>Educational attainment is very strongly predictive.
>Smoking rates approach 50% among the least educated, diminishing to near 5% for Americans with postgrad degrees.
Smarter people find less intrusive bad habits.
>Income is strongly predictive, with smoking rates of about 35% for poverty-level Americans,
>diminishing to about 10% for high-income earners.
High income earners have more costly amusements.
>Old people are much less likely to smoke.
Old people are much less likely to be able to afford to smoke.
Many organisms take drugs. Selection of drugs takes time away from search for food. Drugs are usually chosen for efficacy and effectiveness.
Opium via a hookah was really big in San Francisco for a while.
Most drugs are Xanthines and Xanthine metabolism pathways vary. Caffeine and theobromine are xanthines too.
>Reportedly, about 25% of adults are smokers (including any combination of cigarettes, cigars and pipes).
Pretty much in line with Reward Deficiency Syndrome genetic distribution.
>Educational attainment is very strongly predictive.
>Smoking rates approach 50% among the least educated, diminishing to near 5% for Americans with postgrad degrees.
Smarter people find less intrusive bad habits.
>Income is strongly predictive, with smoking rates of about 35% for poverty-level Americans,
>diminishing to about 10% for high-income earners.
High income earners have more costly amusements.
>Old people are much less likely to smoke.
Old people are much less likely to be able to afford to smoke.
Many organisms take drugs. Selection of drugs takes time away from search for food. Drugs are usually chosen for efficacy and effectiveness.
Opium via a hookah was really big in San Francisco for a while.
Most drugs are Xanthines and Xanthine metabolism pathways vary. Caffeine and theobromine are xanthines too.
December 28th, 2013 at 8:36:49 PM
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Quote: FleaStiff
>Old people are much less likely to smoke.
Old people are much less likely to be able to afford to smoke.
No, old people are more likely to have
never smoked or quit years before.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 29th, 2013 at 7:16:04 AM
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Quote: EvenBobEver smoke opium? That stuff is amazing. You
feel like everything right is with the world, a
totally different experience from smoking weed.
I can see why it would be so addictive and
why Mao closed all the opium dens in China
when he took over. Nobody would ever get
anything done.
I traded some ecstasy for some opium to a couple Iranians I worked with back in 1985. Smeared it on a metal plate, stuck a hot coat hanger into it and sucked up the smoke with a straw "chasing the dragon". It was friggin' awesome. The most mellow, smoothest high I've ever had. I've had morphine sulphate liquid, and morphine pills that weren't nearly as good. Weed is terrible in my opinion.
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
December 29th, 2013 at 12:35:59 PM
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Quote: zippyboyand sucked up the smoke with a straw "chasing the dragon". It was friggin' awesome.
Opium highs are amazing, you feel like a million
bucks. How hard is it to get addicted to that..
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 29th, 2013 at 12:56:44 PM
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I've never smoked actively but I used to hang out in an IRA bar (please note if you must that I did not say IRA sympathizers bar). You've never seen such smoke as in an Irish bar. I used to ride a motorcycle just to air my clothes before they made it into the hamper. Fun talking to young IRA lads though.
December 29th, 2013 at 4:57:07 PM
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Thanks for all the replies. I've never really been tempted by drugs, but I would definitely consider every possibility if my health failed, painfully.
Question: Why do non-smokers wear surgical masks in casinos?
Is there any benefit? Unless there's a filtration mechanism, you're still breathing the nasty air. I don't understand the science. Maybe they're sick and don't want to spread germs? That seems improbably humanitarian.
Question: Why do non-smokers wear surgical masks in casinos?
Is there any benefit? Unless there's a filtration mechanism, you're still breathing the nasty air. I don't understand the science. Maybe they're sick and don't want to spread germs? That seems improbably humanitarian.
"Scientists tell us that the fastest animal on earth, with a top speed of 120 feet per second, is a cow that has been dropped out of a helicopter."
December 29th, 2013 at 5:23:58 PM
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Quote: gpac1377Thanks for all the replies. I've never really been tempted by drugs, but I would definitely consider every possibility if my health failed, painfully.
Question: Why do non-smokers wear surgical masks in casinos?
Is there any benefit? Unless there's a filtration mechanism, you're still breathing the nasty air. I don't understand the science. Maybe they're sick and don't want to spread germs? That seems improbably humanitarian.
I've never seen this live. A question is "are they Asians?" Wearing masks seems to be an Asian thing more than Western, and yes, it is more that they do not want to spread germs vs not get sick.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
December 29th, 2013 at 6:07:54 PM
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Chairman Mao had a program to encourage the wearing of masks by people who felt sick and to prevent people from spitting on the street. I think the programs survived the doings of the Gang of Four.
December 30th, 2013 at 5:54:23 AM
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How is opium different from heroin?
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
December 30th, 2013 at 6:29:18 AM
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Quote: teddysHow is opium different from heroin?
The short answer is sort of like the difference between Labatt Blue and Everclear.
The long answer is, well, longer. Opium is made from the opium poppy, and contains a lot of goodies like morphine and codeine. One needs only opium poppies and little else to produce opium. You basically just score the bud, let it leak its juice, and collect it. Boom. Opium. Street peddlars have means to purify and reduce it which reduces it in size and smell for trafficking purposes, but that's all there is to it.
Heroin is manufactured. All the stuff that's not morphine in opium is parted off chemically, leaving only the stuff that makes you feel really good. Like I said, same as beer vs pure grain alcohol.
Unlike zippy, I was never a fan. I always thought it ruined weed when mixed, and I only smoked it pure when it was all I could find. I've been on white collar opioids for going on 10 years now, and I get no feeling whatsoever from them. No buzz, no happy. When my tolerance builds up to the point it no longer addresses my pain issues, I go on a "clean week" where I won't take any for 7-28 days and I get no withdrawl symptoms whatsoever.
On the occassions I took designer drugs with a high heroin base, I found it very unpleasurable. Complete zombie mode, took all of your effort and all of your will to just sit up and keep your eyes open. It shuts your whole body down, and your brain goes very quiet. Not my cup of tea. I'd even say I hated it.
The opinions of this moderator are for entertainment purposes only.
December 30th, 2013 at 7:20:10 AM
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The body does not process heroin, it turns it into morphine and processes it.
Many users of heroin become addicts and "kicking" the habit comes from the severe muscular jerks that are involved which can even break bones.
However, heroin is not necessarily going to induce a euphoric non-functioning state. Some Southern California noted professors have used heroin for decades and never been "strung out" on it. I've described Anita O'Day's reaction "Better than a martini, better than sex,..lets do another hit" when Charlie Parker gave her her very first heroin. Others can go out and get their gardening done with no problems operating power mowers.
Many users of heroin become addicts and "kicking" the habit comes from the severe muscular jerks that are involved which can even break bones.
However, heroin is not necessarily going to induce a euphoric non-functioning state. Some Southern California noted professors have used heroin for decades and never been "strung out" on it. I've described Anita O'Day's reaction "Better than a martini, better than sex,..lets do another hit" when Charlie Parker gave her her very first heroin. Others can go out and get their gardening done with no problems operating power mowers.
December 30th, 2013 at 9:29:42 AM
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Quote: AZDuffmanI've never seen this live. A question is "are they Asians?" Wearing masks seems to be an Asian thing more than Western, and yes, it is more that they do not want to spread germs vs not get sick.
No, it's not common, and yes, they're usually Asian, but not always.
My doctor actually mentioned it as a possible suggestion, but he was kind of just thinking out loud. He has a thick accent and I usually can't understand what he says. Mostly I just nod a lot, but if he looks unhappy I switch to shaking my head.
"Scientists tell us that the fastest animal on earth, with a top speed of 120 feet per second, is a cow that has been dropped out of a helicopter."
December 30th, 2013 at 12:30:55 PM
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Quote: FleaStiffThe body does not process heroin, it turns it into morphine and processes it.
.
They say the scene in Pulp Fiction where Travolta
shoots up and is driving the car, is almost solely
responsible for renewed in interest in heroin in
the mid 90's.
Most people don't know that heroin is a trade
name thought up by the Bayer Aspirin company
in the 1880's. They sold heroin as a cold remedy
until 1910, over the counter. They also said it
was a cure for morphine addiction, not knowing
that heroin is converted to morphine by the body.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 30th, 2013 at 3:31:17 PM
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Quote: EvenBobThey say the scene in Pulp Fiction where Travolta
shoots up and is driving the car, is almost solely
responsible for renewed in interest in heroin in
the mid 90's.
I can believe that based on how Americans behave. I also know that I have had discussions with friends about people potentially using and all of what we knew came from that movie or wikipedia. Yes, I am a square and hang with squares. The only thing I have picked up that is remotely "street useful" is that heroin in the east and west USA are different with the white powder in the east coming via older European Mafia connections and "Black Tar" heroin in the west coming from Asia or Mexico.
I find the history of heroin in the USA interesting. Pre-1960s it was a drug for the elite. By the late 1960s it was a drug for poor blacks and coke took over the suburban white trade. Then by the late 1990s it kind of flipped again partly because of the movie. From what I hear "H" is taking over the higher class suburbs lately with poorer whites using meth.
Either way the problem is getting worse and worse.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
December 30th, 2013 at 3:38:25 PM
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Quote: AZDuffman
Either way the problem is getting worse and worse.
It was far worse in the late 1800's, when many of
the immigrants from Europe were hooked on drugs
when they got here. You could get anything you
wanted over the counter until 1913, when they
finally outlawed it. Narcotic based drugs make poorer,
less educated people happier with their lot in life.
And give bored rich people something to do. Most
of us in the middle demographic think it's ridiculous.
I just read that movies have a far greater impact on
changing society than advertising or even TV shows.
Pulp Fiction did a lot of damage.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 30th, 2013 at 3:55:10 PM
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Quote: EvenBobNarcotic based drugs make poorer,
less educated people happier with their lot in life.
And give bored rich people something to do. Most
of us in the middle demographic think it's ridiculous.
Nailed it again. The poor use it as an escape. The rich...use it as an escape. The working class is too busy trying not to be poor to have time for it XD
Quote: AZDuffmanThe only thing I have picked up that is remotely "street useful" is that heroin in the east and west USA are different with the white powder in the east coming via older European Mafia connections and "Black Tar" heroin in the west coming from Asia or Mexico.
It's a measure of quality. Pharmaceutical grade stuff is white, that's your "pure" stuff. It's the salt (and I know I'm gonna mess this up) diacetylmorphine hydrochloride (or close to that, whatever). The darker stuff like your black tar is kinda of a sloppy, quick way towards the same end, and has more morphine in it.
In sticking with my same analogy, it's like Everclear vs White Lightning made in Granddad's back 40 ;)
The opinions of this moderator are for entertainment purposes only.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:24:56 PM
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Heroin use, particularly by females, was on the upswing long before Travolta's movie.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:28:04 PM
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Quote: FleaStiffHeroin use, particularly by females, was on the upswing long before Travolta's movie.
I will say that every junkie I heard of was female now that I think about it. Possibly because alcohol is fattening?
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
December 30th, 2013 at 4:34:22 PM
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Quote: FleaStiffHeroin use, particularly by females, was on the upswing long before Travolta's movie.
But the movie kicked it into high gear. Travolta,
with that stupid smile on his face, radio blaring
as he drove, life was fantastic. If you're some
unhappy schlub, who wouldn't want that feeling
once in awhile.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
January 27th, 2014 at 7:49:19 PM
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Although this site is indisputably the preeminent Vegas travel guide, occasionally I look in on other resources. TripAdvisor maintains a guide to "Polite Manners" in the United States:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g191-c58158/United-States:Polite.Manners.html
Here's the ... um ... Smoking section:
"American smokers almost never walk while smoking. Walking with a lit cigarette is considered rude."
I did not know that.
I would rephrase slightly: Smokers do not walk with a lit cigarette ... unless they happen to be walking.
But I'm not a travel professional.
I should give proper credit to the author. Here's his photo:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g191-c58158/United-States:Polite.Manners.html
Here's the ... um ... Smoking section:
"American smokers almost never walk while smoking. Walking with a lit cigarette is considered rude."
I did not know that.
I would rephrase slightly: Smokers do not walk with a lit cigarette ... unless they happen to be walking.
But I'm not a travel professional.
I should give proper credit to the author. Here's his photo:
"Scientists tell us that the fastest animal on earth, with a top speed of 120 feet per second, is a cow that has been dropped out of a helicopter."
January 28th, 2014 at 12:01:16 AM
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Part of the joy of smoking is to put it out on some kid's face. Now you deny me this right?
"Man Babes" #AxelFabulous
January 28th, 2014 at 12:05:37 AM
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I've never once heard anyone say that walking with a lit cigarette is considered rude. I see people doing this all the time.
Has anyone ever heard this outside of this article? I think this guy just made it up.
Has anyone ever heard this outside of this article? I think this guy just made it up.
January 28th, 2014 at 12:19:22 AM
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Tobacco is quite a versatile drug and very addictive, and if a casual drug were able to replace it, I've never heard of it. Smokers in casinos just have to be higher than the general population because it's one of the few places they're allowed to partake so they go there. If the price were so high people couldn't afford high exposure, I don't think it would be high enough to cause health problems because moderation would be life for most. Still life wouldn't be perfect because any positives would also be stopped along with the negatives. Problems would just take other extremes such as obesity and old age and overpopulation but there would be harder causes to blame.
I am a robot.
January 28th, 2014 at 3:20:20 AM
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Quote: AxiomOfChoiceI've never once heard anyone say that walking with a lit cigarette is considered rude. I see people doing this all the time.
Has anyone ever heard this outside of this article? I think this guy just made it up.
I've never heard of it, either. Before smoking was banned in most places I used to see it all the time (pre 1990s).
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
January 28th, 2014 at 7:43:48 AM
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Quote: djatcPart of the joy of smoking is to put it out on some kid's face.
I know, right? Simple pleasures.
Quote: AxiomOfChoiceI've never once heard anyone say that walking with a lit cigarette is considered rude.
Quote: AZDuffmanI've never heard of it, either.
To be honest, I find it appalling, but then I'm considered a fanatic. I'm from the "a gentleman is someone who can play the accordion but doesn't" school.
"Scientists tell us that the fastest animal on earth, with a top speed of 120 feet per second, is a cow that has been dropped out of a helicopter."
February 4th, 2014 at 1:51:52 PM
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I'll have a cigar once in a while (as in less than once a month) but nothing on a regular basis. Most of the times I do fire one up is in front of a video poker machine.
February 4th, 2014 at 2:11:44 PM
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When I'm walking with a cigarette in a crowded place, I'll hold the lit end inwards towards my palm.
February 4th, 2014 at 2:19:13 PM
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Quote: HunterhillI wonder what percentage of casino gamblers smoke?
Revel AC might know
February 4th, 2014 at 2:20:34 PM
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Quote: rudeboyoiWhen I'm walking with a cigarette in a crowded place, I'll hold the lit end inwards towards my palm.
I hold it close to me until someone gets close. Then I suddenly start swinging it around as I lunge towards them, burning side out.
February 4th, 2014 at 2:29:19 PM
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Quote: EvenBobNo, old people are more likely to have
never smoked or quit years before.
Non smokers are more likely to get old.
"Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things."
-- Isaac Newton
February 4th, 2014 at 2:34:52 PM
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I wish the feds would make tobacco illegal.......I'm looking for a new line of work.
Each day is better than the next
February 4th, 2014 at 9:27:57 PM
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Quote: treetopbuddyI wish the feds would make tobacco illegal.......I'm looking for a new line of work.
If you mean as in law enforcement you'd be busy that's for sure, making tobacco illegal would lead to an insane black market. Prohibition made the mob a fortune 500 company, with tobacco you're looking at an even bigger nightmare to enforce considering its a plant you can grow with minimal effort (even more so than pot, which to my understanding is very high maintenance), at least now the government makes $ on it in taxes, if it became illegal the enforcement costs would increase our already out of control debt.
February 4th, 2014 at 9:59:31 PM
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Has anyone actually been around a tobacco plant? I have no idea what one even looks like to be honest. Time to google!
February 4th, 2014 at 10:35:52 PM
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Quote: treetopbuddyI wish the feds would make tobacco illegal.......I'm looking for a new line of work.
There is only one country where tobacco is illegal. And it is a huge black market.
If you want a job hunting down cigarette smugglers work for the ATF they already spend a ton of time tracking down trucks illegally crossing state lines to sell lower price taxes etc...
February 5th, 2014 at 3:06:25 AM
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Quote: GandlerThere is only one country where tobacco is illegal. And it is a huge black market. If you want a job hunting down cigarette smugglers work for the ATF they already spend a ton of time tracking down trucks illegally crossing state lines to sell lower price taxes etc...
I have a friend who spends a couple of months a year in Thailand. And he tells me that premium cigarettes like Marlboro sell for $6.50 a carton there. And he tells me there are American ex-patriots there shipping them back to the United States by the case. I wonder if this is really true.
"Quit trying your luck and start trying your skill." Mickey Crimm
February 5th, 2014 at 3:15:14 AM
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Quote: treetopbuddyI wish the feds would make tobacco illegal.......I'm looking for a new line of work.
At $10 a pack or more in NYC you should be able to make a little extra right now, at least build your customer base. Just remember to pay taxes to the right party or else your career may be cut short.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
February 5th, 2014 at 3:23:04 AM
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Quote: AZDuffmanAt $10 a pack or more in NYC you should be able to make a little extra right now, at least build your customer base. Just remember to pay taxes to the right party or else your career may be cut short.
I had an uncle who was a bootlegger in Mississippi all his life. He sold bonded whiskey. Stayed away from moonshine. Untaxed booze brings the feds in. He only had to deal with local and state law enforcement. The feds don't care about bootlegging as long as they get their tax money.
"Quit trying your luck and start trying your skill." Mickey Crimm
February 5th, 2014 at 3:45:31 AM
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Quote: mickeycrimmI had an uncle who was a bootlegger in Mississippi all his life. He sold bonded whiskey. Stayed away from moonshine. Untaxed booze brings the feds in. He only had to deal with local and state law enforcement. The feds don't care about bootlegging as long as they get their tax money.
The feds are funny like that!
Just remember, who makes more money off of a pack of cigarettes:
A.) The farmer
B.) The cigarette company
C.) The retailer
D.) State and Federal government
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
